No NFL deal for NCCU's Drew

Former N.C. Central defensive lineman John Drew was extremely close to making the New England Patriots' 90-man roster, but the team decided to go in another direction, Arkansas-based sports agent Chris Turnage said on Monday.

Turnage is representing Drew and said other teams are inquiring about the services of the 6-2, 335-pound player from Columbus, Ga.

Drew was in Massachusetts on Monday so Patriots representatives could take another look at him, Turnage said. Drew is coming off of a toe injury that cut short his senior season last fall at NCCU.

But Turnage said his client tackled the Patriots' conditioning drills.

A player making a 90-man roster in the National Football league means the athlete is a step closer to establishing a more long-term role with the squad.

Turnage said he's grateful for the opportunity that the Patriots gave Drew, who was a dominant nose guard in college, demanding double-teams in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.